Apologies in advance, I have no tub to thump, and no wish to anger today’s opponents, call me a superstitious pansy but I am beginning to see a pattern….the more incendiary the pre match the more likely it is we will not win. So with that in mind……..
Today we welcome the in form Premier League team and suddenly Championship rivals Liverpool to the Emirates to contest a FA Cup 5th round match. There has been much talk about prioritisation over the last few weeks, today we get to find out whether we are going to gun for them all, or are in fact prioritising one competition over the rest.
Some say the FA Cup represents our best chance of a trophy this season, I’m not so sure, whilst it is true that we only need to win four games to do it, there are still some tricky opponents that could get in our way, and on top of that we have in our own recent memory the League Cup Final defeat to Birmingham to remind us that on any given day anything can happen in a game of football, you can also ask Manchester City fans what happened last season. Would you really have us put all our eggs in the FA Cup? I certainly wouldn’t. I am very much behind the one game at a time mentality, although I understand why we might want to rest players before the visit of Munich on Wednesday.
What do we expect from Arsenal today?
Szczesny has been playing well of late but Fabianski has done little wrong in the other cup ties this season, so he will surely start. There is little option at centre back unless we were to launch a couple of youngsters into action, against Suarez and Sturridge that would be suicidal, they have scored 60% of Liverpool’s goals this season, stop them and we have a chance of stopping Liverpool, so the centre back pairing of Mertesacker and Koscielny picks itself. I would go with Jenkinson at right back to give the ageing legs of Sagna a break and Gibbs at left back.
In midfield we have the luxury of Flamini returning from a self imposed spell on the sidelines, he surely starts to make Coutinho’s life a lot harder than it was at Anfield last Saturday, he will also help us win the ball back higher up the pitch as he is more proactive than Arteta in that respect. I would however keep Arteta alongside him, a blend of experience, passing and reading of the game should make us more competitive and provide more cover for our defence.
In attacking midfield is where we will possibly see the most changes, I would go Gnabry, Rosicky and Ozil. But I would give Gnabry and Ozil instructions to stay high up the pitch, and not to worry too much about defensive duties, Rosicky will be the man in the middle, he works hardest to win the ball back high up the pitch, and injects pace in attack by speed of passing and running from deep. This can only work if Gibbs and Jenkinson do not over commit, instead they should stay home to provide cover against Liverpool’s fast counter attacks.
My front man today would be Podolski, and that is another reason I would give Ozil and Gnabry the licence to stay up the pitch, he will need help a lot quicker than Giroud when playing with his back to goal, I also think the understanding between the three German’s could be the key to unlocking Liverpool.
So my starting eleven would look something like this:
Let’s hope we are celebrating an Arsenal win come this evening, and we can put this week behind us and start looking forward to an exciting run in to the end of the season.
Gooner In Exile
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Thanks for the pre match GiE, I assumed Big & Dandy was back when I didn’t get the call from the Peacher for a PM.
As for no tub thumping, I say strap on a pair and make it as incendiary as you can. I’m a man of science and logic and have no truck with superstition.
Having said that any aggressive intent with a PM must come from a genuine dislike of the opponent.
I’ve nothing against the ‘dippers hence my gentle PM last weekend, however ManUre are a different matter.
Amen to that, GIE.
Interesting to see how the team respond to last Saturday. I like the double pivot Flamteta idea. Maybe Ox for Ozil.
The dippers are full of confidence. Let’s knock some of it out of them.
Up the Arse.
I should leave my comments until after the New Post goes up but nevertheless well done GIE on stepping up whilst Raddy is bathing himself in Hull.
We don’t have the players available to rotate too much especially against an in form Liverpool and AW usually stays on the cautious side.
I think we do have as good as anyone to win the FA Cup with a bit of luck in the draw and Liverpool without the distraction of CL football,will think the same.
You are most probably right that Fabianski will start in goal but if it were me I would stick with our tried and nearly always trusted back 4 with Szsney in goal. Jenkinson is inexperienced and could well get targeted.
Arteta with Flamini seems about right but Podolski to start at number 9 is highly unlikely.
The Ox should play,he is direct and Gnabry may well get game time.
We miss width on the pitch and if Giroud is rested don’t be surprised to see Bedtner take up that position Ozil may also drift inside more, a big game for him today..
My concern is where will the goals come from. Rodgers will have drilled his boys but they might just migh think they only have to turn up to beat us after last week, which to be frank was a frak result.
We can’t worry about Bayern just yet and though I believe we can beat anyone on our day, not conceding against them at Home will most probably cost us the tie that no one expects us to win, therefore why not go for it today.
GIE. Interesting article. Who is this fat kid and what has he to do with an FA cup game between Arsenal and Liverpool? Am I missing something?
Arteta is suspended for the Bayern game so for sure he will link up in the middle with the Flamster. I agree that the back four should not be changed. I think Poldi will start in place of the sick Cazorla and NB up front for Giroud. I do not have a warm fuzzy feeling about today’s game!
Great stuff, GiE. 😀 This looks like a good opportunity to get some momentum into our campaign this year. Bring on Liverpool! Let us keep the defensive formation in place and play an attacking game. Onwards and upwards!! 😀 😀
If one were to try out Micky’s suggestion of playing The Ox as a striker, today might be the day to do that experiment!!!! 😀 😀 😀
Janman, he’s the new dietitian at Colney. Wenger wants them to beef up a bit.
Chas: 😀
Hi Chas. Okay, got it 🙂
Thank you, Bob Wilson !
Well, people might get upset by the suggestion, but I for one would like to see Sanogo play !
GIE, It’s never easy to guess what AW’s team choices will be or how he will prioritize the competitions. Your choices may well be the correct ones. Even with our current injuries there are still plenty of player and formation variations available to him.
Of one thing we can be assured – he will still feel the pain of the 5-1 loss and he will do everything in his power to make amends.
I sense a face saving victory – however if we lose I will not be able to bear wading through the expected posts – so I will lay low.
Afternoon all, thanks for comments, I guess we are all waiting to see what Arsene and the team will deliver.
I’m having a bit of a family day, just had a corned beef hash for lunch at the Thornham Deli, then hopefully back home in time for kick off. Sun is shining so making the most of it.
The weak link with Liverpool is Toure and Mignolet, if they play. Last week Mignolet was only really once under threat and he made a real cock up.
arseblog made a point this morning that when we played United and the subs were warming up,Sanogo was jogging around and Bedtner never got off the bench…..surely not.
Gorgeous sunny day here in South Herts, I’m expecting the same at the Emirates.
Thank you GiE for the post. We need to get back to scoring freely today and I’m looking forward to The Ox playing an attacking role. Maybe he can adopt Rambos running through for a tap in position 😉
All in all we need to get behind the team – no booing!!!!! Hope Ozil carries on where he left off the other night and the team come out full of energy. It’s the FA cup so lets dump those scousers out of it.
Someone just tweeted that Sanogo starts.
I said that yesterday peaches
The night we beat Liverpool in the 1971 CF and secured the double.
http://twitpic.com/8h7jpx/full
http://twitpic.com/8h7k5v/full
I dont dislike the idea of a Sanogo start, or at least a cameo. He is doing OK in the development team.
For me, The Ox is perhaps best, as Peaches suggested, in the Rambo role. We need pace down the middle, and we need some more reinforcements in DM.
However, The Ox together with Flamster will be a more aggressive formation, both holding a higher line, and I think Arsene will not go for this. Personally, I think this will still be fine if the left and right backs hold relatively defensive positions and do not overlap that much.
One thing that I noticed during the ManUre game, and this is something one cannot pick up on the tele, is that there was a discussion every time a defender moved up as to who should stay back. It was in rotation between Kos, Sagna and Mert. Perhaps, this should happen seamlessly, but at least it was reassuring that they were conscious and were having a chat beforehand.
COYG!!!!! 😀 😀 😀
lovely bit of nostalgia, Kelsey. 😀 😀 😀
COYRRG!!!! 😀 😀 😀
Afternoon all,
I for one would be very unhappy if Sanogo starts. I’ve seen him play (not play).
We have a habit of making ourselves a laughing stock. If we field a rookie who has never scored for the club up against opposition that feature Suarez, Sturridge and Stirling, it would not be hard to predict the reaction from the fans and media.
Sanogo instead of Podolski/the Ox ….. surely not
Forgetting my manners 😦 thanks for a great build-up post for the big game GiE.
The midfield has been our problem lately, I’d like to see us start with a strong side as a dress rehearsal for Wednesday if nothing else. We haven’t really worked out how to blend a midfield from the players available – but hopefully Flamini will provide some much needed urgency and grit.
hmm, Rasp, since I have not seen him play, have to go with your opinion. 😀
Don’t take any notice of me arnie 😕 He’s young, inexperienced in English football, inexperienced playing for Arsenal – would it be fair to send him out in a game of this nature?
It’s probably just someone being mischievous on twitter – although he was on the bench the other day.
I believe the stories about him headbutting Per were incorrect – had they been true I would have thrown him out of the club. We’ve never had any success rehabilitating bad boys (I’m not saying Sanogo is a bad boy)
Good points, Rasp. 😀 If we are going well, or the converse (hopefully not), I can still see Sanogo in a cameo role. Otherwise, the question is what was the point in signing him in the first place. Obviously Arsene saw something! 😀
arnie, we signed Wellington Silva and Joel Campbell? – I’m sure there is a reason why ….. I just can’t see it.
Clearly AW believes Sanogo can make it at Arsenal. He has immediately promoted him above Chuba Akpom and others who have shown great potential.
Yes, Rasp, that is the enigma. And part of the frustration as fans that we know so little. Apparently, Zelalam is not even in the Academy team now? Just beats me. 😀 😀
Dont support this opinion, just posting for info.
Ours not to reason why I suppose arnie 😛
Now Zelalem is a player I really like and he seems to have the composure to walk straight into a big game without being fazed. Sanogo looked lively but it only took a couple of things to go wrong (he missed a sitter with his first touch of the ball) and he shrunk away after that.
Yes, I suppose so, Rasp. 😛 Let us see what the team is like. 😀
It seems likely that Ollie’s head would not be in the right place to play today (you are probably all aware that he has literally been caught with his pants down 🙄 )
I just hope he can get it together to put in a performance against Bayern.
This is so true:
https://twitter.com/positivegunner/status/435067666428985344
Typifies Arsenal tweeters that everyone is raging before the official team even announced.
Mixed.
Well AW obviously sees Sanogo as a target man in the mould of OG. Its a big risk to his development as much as anything – maybe AW thinks he has no other alternatives as Ollie was never going to start.
The lack of discipline bothers me. Giroud, Sanogo, etc. But we will just bottle this for the moment. When the chips are down, support the good guys. COYG!!!! 😀 😀
I agree arnie. It worries me that only the Ox will be on the same level as Ozil as far as interplay and movement is concerned. To get the best out of Ozil we need others to have the same vision.
Here’s the team….Fabianski, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Podolski, Sanogo
TEAM NEWS: Wenger makes seven changes
Arsène Wenger has made seven changes to his side for the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool.
Yaya Sanogo makes his first start for Arsenal after spending five months out with a back injury and he is joined up front by Lukas Podolski.
Elsewhere, Mathieu Flamini returns to the starting line-up after serving his three-match suspension and Carl Jenkinson comes in for Bacary Sagna at right-back.
Team in full: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Flamini, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Podolski, Sanogo
Subs: Viviano, Sagna, Gibbs, Wilshere, Cazorla, Gnabry, Giroud
Copyright 2014 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to http://www.arsenal.com as the source 16 Feb 2014
Forgive me if I seem blunt but, you don’t see the reason why he signed Joel Campbell ?!!!
Now we know one priority. Rested ahead of the Bayern game:- Szczesny, Sagna, Gibbs, Wilshere, Cazorla, Giroud, Rosicky.
BJ, In view of the fact that Campbell was unable to aquire a work permit either before or after signing, that alone begs the question… just why did we sign him?
Sorry! That should be aimed at BR not BJ. 😀
Jenkinson and Monreal up against Sturridge and Stirling hmmmmm
Its all down to how well Flamini and Arteta can protect the defence now.
Hi Benjamin – be as blunt as you like. Do you ever expect to see him play for Arsenal?
OK, it’s time to head towards my armchair and settle down to watch what promises to be an intriguing game.
Well considering he’s only 21 and that most of the young lads go on loan anyway… I think this season’s form is the best explanation why we signed him. Ok, the Greek league isn’t the premier league, but the kid’s got tremendous talent !
But before I go, here’s the Liverpool line-up…Jones, Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Cissokho, Gerrard, Allen, Coutinho, Suarez, Sterling, Sturridge
the oracle got the draw right again 🙂
Interesting. It looks like Arsene is opting for a broken formation. He has opted for six players who will mostly defend and four who will mostly attack.
So many of our goals have come from midfielders running late from deep. When Ozil moves out to the right or left, large spaces open up — and Ramsey, then Whilshire then Oxlade Chamberlain have all found goals by running straight up that space. But that also left us unbalanced against Liverpool’s counter-attack. So, it seems fromt his formation that the midfielders will be sitting back giving the front four freedom to attack.
I’m wondering if both wingers will sit as well, if one will advance or if they will both sit. I suppose that depends on how the game goes.
Arsenal/Pool versus Everton
That’s not the point Ben, he can’t get a permit to work in the UK. He’s a great prospect, but the usual pattern is that these players enjoy playing where they are and decide not to come to England. We couldn’t prise Vela back if we tried (we have a buy back clause)
Any way, let’s forget about all this … we have a game to play …… COYRRG
Considering he’s got his work permit now and considering what he showed from the right side this year while Theo might not be back to his best for a while, I think next season could see him start. Olympiacos apparently want him to stay, so we might sell and yet…
Knackered but ready.
Great PM Exile, thank you.
Team news….very interesting that AW picks Sanogo ahead of Bendy. Let’s face it, he sees the lads in training.
Catch up on comments later.
Kelsey, Everton. Mystic is what you are 🙂
You are correct Ben 😛 I just googled it, he got his work permit back last July. I am still sceptical that he will choose to play in England but I agree that he is a talent we could do with.
Last eight draw —
Arsenal/Liverpool vs Everton
great prematch, thank you GiE!
It seems Le Boss twigged your team selection a bit, but not much. I don’t like it; seems slightly weakened squad. Why? We have more of a chance to win the FA cup than the EPL. We would like a trophy
Jens at the Ems. he looks good
It’s a huge gamble.Yesterday he said one or two changes, maybe three. If it comes off kudos to the man.
is Sanogo the bean poll?
21, 6’2″
Suarez was the only one in the tunnel to offer a friendly handshake with our players
diaby’s cousin,evonne
He’s 6ft 3in evonne, a fraction shorter than OG
gosh, don’t say that Kels!! he looks solid
Next door neighbour is a Pool supporter. Guess what he’s doing as we speak – cleaning windows.
6’2″ is even better
how about 5’11” tall Ox??!!!!
Nice goal, the boy is holding the ball up well
YEEES !
Get in …… 🙂 🙂 🙂
Who scored? Stream nightmare. Maybe ok now
The Ox Micky – you know, your new centre forward 😛
Oooo great. Thanks Rasp and Hi
hi
hi
Very cosy in here today 🙂
Until I see the goal, I’ll assume Ox went past four defenders then planted it in the top corner 🙂
Didn’t make it back for kick off or the goal.
We seem to be playing a bit defensively….has this been all game or are we just having a containment spell?
not quiet Micky 🙂
Sterling at 19 is a fantastic player
we are reallt getting stuck in since we scored.like to see podolski get more involved,otherwise no complaints
Is Anfield smaller than the Emirates? Their press doesn’t seem as effective today.
We’re passing faster and harder and more accurately.
yo ho ho ….. good job so far. no panic. more of the same. poor stream, oh dear! back later. 😀 😀 😀
finally we have found some pace, and some possession in midfield. good stuff. plenty to do, still. 😀
Hi all, we’re having a great time here at the Emirates, wish you were here xx
Thanks for a fine pre-match GiE.
So far so good. Reasonably impressed with WakeMeUpYayaSanogo.
Flamini has made a big difference.
Oxo doing really well, as is TPIG2.
But Suarez is a fantastic player and there will always be a threat…
I don’t want to tell tales but the word on the street is that three of our frenchies were out drinking until 3am on the night before the pool game. Very disappointing behaviour, they have been fined by the club.
Exile,
Or should I call you ‘a superstitious pansy’, as instructed?
I thought your pre-match was very good, despite you dissing the ‘flat’ Hawaiian Islands! 🙂
We only had 2 Frenchies in the team – Kos and Bac
Peaches it wasn’t before the Pool game it was before the Palace game, and just Giroud with a bit of nawty in the team hotel. The Sun released it on Sunday and it looked as of it was referring to the Friday night before Pool. So could be a great deal of embellishment going on.
272 square metres more at the Emitates (105 x 68) compared to Dippers 101 x 68.
Would that make much of a difference?
Need to keep this intensity up.Sanogo for his first game is doing very well.
Giroud Rocky?
RA my brother got married in Hawaii the photos and his descriptions did not sell it, but I assume he was in major tourist destination rather than the places you mention.
GIE,
We have been under the cosh for much of the first half, with a bit of attacking to, because the Ox and Ozil are playing further up.
2:0 🙂 😉
Cracking goal, right foot finish too.
6 shots=4 goals this season
that Ox geez is bloody good
sanogo is French
Peaches – they should go out more often 🙂
that was really a perfect assist from Ox. Can you imagine him and Ramsey together? ooooooh…..
ah the pass from ozil to the ox was gtreat,evonne
This commentary is so one sided
Silly one
thank you Mr Webb, all forgiven
Pity podolski came off he would have buried Santi’s chance
wrong sub i.m.o. we should be attacking not bringing on more defenders
Fabianski is Polish, you know 🙂 I always preferred him to Chesny
Felicitations à touted l’équipe !
Evonne your man played well, apart from that little moment from the cross, but he did chin Agger who had fouled Yaya for 90 minutes so all good 🙂
And as for Yaya as GM just said on twitter…he and Arsene owed a few apologies. He is quicker than Oli, a strong lad, and thought he had some very good touches when linking up with those around him.
Oh and Suarez might be a good player but in 2013/14 goals against Arsenal …… 0
And he is an odious little banned word I want nowhere near my club.
yo ho ho, how good was that!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀
That is a BIG result in terms of our season.
We will now get at least a draw with Bayern, then we’ll start picking up momentum and finding our best form for the run-in. Just watch. It’s going to be exciting.
Impressed by Sanogo – but don’t tell Norfolk I said that!!
He gave as good as he got Exile, and simply did his job all on his lonesome. 🙂
Flappy, I take it all back — brilliant today.
MOTM was Oxo and that is fair enough, but Flappy was thereabouts.
oops Giroud 😳
Great game, both teams played with an attacking intent (take note Moist and Maureen). Webb was a bit dodgy and the crowd sounded fantastic, with no-one leaving before the end. Sanogo, steady game, Ox fantastic and shows what a bit of pace and directness can give. Pod – he shoots, he scores. How was Gerrard on the pitch at the end? If they had equalised, it would have been a shocker as he was running the game for them
Do you think that serial cnut Moaniho will ‘phone Arsene and ask for his help in becoming a normal human being – oh, and to congratulate him on getting through to the next round of the FA Cup. 🙂
This comment was binned for a four letter word so I have replaced it. 🙂
Do you think that serial tunc Moaniho will ‘phone Arsene and ask for his help in becoming a normal human being – oh, and to congratulate him on getting through to the next round of the FA Cup. 🙂
Sorry, kinda occupied. Missed second goal, but second half was highly entertaining. Great, and very important, result.
Exactly what the doctor ordered. The defence stayed low and tight. The Mert-Kos combination was good as usual, but Monreal was fantastic and Jenks was very good.
The midfield held a higher line and challenged for everything. There was pace upfront, particularly The Ox, and Sanogo and Poldi were very good. It made a big difference.
So happy. 😀 😀 😀
Great result. Sanogo was fuckin excellent.
The only acceptable reason for missing that game is indulging in a little hanky lanky — so I hope you have your excuses ready, Micky? 🙂
My sentiment too, Chas.
I suspect this is a silly question but did you go today? 🙂
If so I hope you will give us another view from the stadium which is always different from watching on TV.
Evenetning all, I think we got away with that a tad as the starting line up hardly inspired confidence.
From the sound of it the crowd helped the players onto a big performance – just the fillip we need before the arrival of the best team on the planet(copyright Tim Sh***ood) on Wednesday.
BTW does anyone know when Rambo may be due back ?
Way too many queens today….the wife has commandeered the big flat screen to watch the Olympics ice dancing with U.S.commentator Johnny Weir. (Fellow U.S. viewers will know what I mean re queens!) And then to watch Suarez being an opera diva! What Webb was directly looking at was a La Scala calibre death spiral.
AW’s comments: “You never know eith Suarez; he always goes down like he’s been shot!”
Physio room dot com says 1st of March and Vermaelen 22nd Feb if you think they know what they’re talking about.
Arsene on Maureen calling him names: “I do not want to go into that – those were silly, disrespectful remarks. I never spoke about him in my press conference. I know one thing, it is more embarrassing for Chelsea than it is for me.”
As I’m quick to castigate the ref for decisions that go against us, I must say we got seriously lucky that both our goal scorers didn’t cancel out their strikes, despite trying their best to. I don’t understand that decision by Webb at all (although Suarez’s reverse somersault probably had something to do with it) and I don’t normally like winning matches like that. But we’ve had such terrible decisions go against us for years that I’ll just take this. I see the press are already writing headlines about the non-call for the penalty though. Did they do that when Chelsea got a draw against us? Or literally dozens of other occasions? If this constitutes a change in their stance then I’m all for it, but I doubt it’ll be the case.
Anyway, the match. Sanogo did well. Was fouled all game by Agger but still managed to get the better of him. Our attack seemed much more fluid, and I think despite giving away some early chances, we just looked less nervous. For once, the crowd helped too. Arteta did much better in this game and hopefully has found his form back. (is he suspended for Bayern?) Ox was good, good finish and a great cross for the second. Monreal, despite being put under pressure, did quite well too I thought. Podolski’s finish was brilliant, but the penalty put us under pressure. We did well to hold out though, and win a quarter final spot against Everton (Well done kelsey for getting that right again) If it’s anything like the league match against them earlier in the season, it’ll be a great spectacle.
Wenger’s comments about Maureen was sheer class
Who looks silly now, ey Jose?
Webb is a much better referee since SAF’s departure, don’t you think?
ok then guys, which is a more important result – tonight or last Saturday? For me – today
erewego erewego erewego!!!
That was the sort of committed performance that we had all been praying for. Suddenly Arsenal have found some grit, if we play like that in the future nobody will be able to bully us.
Was that a penalty when the Ox tackled Suarez? All the Liverpool loving commentators said it was, so obviously the ref, who couldn’t have been in a better position to see, got it right!
Oxlade-Chamberlain was brilliant but TPIG2 got my nomination for MotM. I take back all the bad things I said about him, well most of them anyway. 😀
Bring on Bayern!
Why Piers Morgan should never be listened too….unless you’re highlighting why he too is an odious banned word:
https://twitter.com/geoafc/status/435110997012258816
Tonight Evonne, tonight!!!
Great game, great result. Watched the game live on German Skysports 1+. The German commentator was gushing over the three German’s performances. From what I heard on the TV the Arsenal fans made a massive contribution. What a second goal from Podolski, why isn’t he playing more? OX or Fab were MOTM for me. This has to be a great morale booster for the Bayern game. Wonder what stupid comment Mourinho will have about our performance.
Gie, be careful, he may have hacked your phone. 😀
I think if give Fab1 MotM today too, his handling was very good.
As foulr our team selection maybe only Sanogo, Jenkinson and Fab1 could be considered to be out of contention for first team places. The rest can all start and be expected to do a job.
On the penalty calls, Suarez goes over at the slightest contact for the first the linesman on that side did not flag and Webb took a long time to give. Question would be is that contact enough to make a man go down considering he wasn’t moving?
The second looks more stonewall but watch it, Suarez plays the ball to a position he is not going to reach and is already starting his twist before Ox gets to him. And the triple salko that followed probably decided it….that and Webb was probably covering himself with the first one that he wasn’t sure about.
Nice to have the run of the green for a change.
Haha Norfolk, him the NSA and many others…..
Pre post match thoughs
Liverpool are a very good team that humiliated us only 8 days ago., and for that reason alone it was a very bold decision to change the team so much.
The improvement after a nervous opening 10 minutes was remarkable. Everyone played as if they were playing for their place.
Webb got that penalty descision wrong but but Stirling and Gerrard could have both seen red.
Fabianski, considering how little he plays was as good as any game Szsney has played this season.
Ozil showed his class and was instrumental for our opening goal.
The Ox really is a good player and what I like about him is that he is so direct,strong and adds a lot to our attack.
Throwing Sanogo on in his first ever full game was a massive risk and he really played better than most expected(Wenger knows best 🙂 )
.
Podolski had a quiet first half yet came into the game more and scored a great goal,yet he had no need to get involved in the penalty,Kos had it covered but nevertheles I wouldn’t have taken him off for Santi who had been unwell and didn’t do much when he came on.
A real gusty performance and we had to work hard to contain them,hopefully this will be a real confidence booster.
Evonne, for the moment, it is tonight. But we are gooners, we wear our heart on our sleeves, and a drubbing at Anfield pains us. We also know that revenge is best served cold. Dont worry, we will give it back next time we are at Anfield! 😀 😀 😀
Ian Wright: “Those remarks from Jose Mourinho leave a nasty smell in their air, but Arsene has handled them well. The best thing to do? Just smile and wave.”
Right it’s time to eat and then off to the Ex Servicemans Club for the fortnightly quiz. Blimey we know how to live it up here in Norfolk! LD
‘night all.
Gibbs consoling Sturridge after the game. Nice. 😛
Norfolk,
What is all this earwig chanting? Is it a masonic thing? 🙂
After the game. This is what you call a team. Would this ever happen at the Oilers, I wonder? 😀 😀
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgneWS-CQAAKVPB.jpg:large
Hilarious!!!!
ha ha ha 😀 ha ha ha ha ha ha 😀 😀 😀
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgnS0glCEAApKrd.jpg:large
BBC5 commentary of the goals:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sctjn
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01scvmk
Wonder what Walcott is thinking right now.
Brendon Rodgers thinks the better team lost 🙂
BEWARE – Peaches is on her way to nag for a report!! I am disappearing, na night
Kelsey: to be honest. First thought, very very happy, true Gooner, great spirit! Second thought, of dear, I will have to win my position back!!!! 😀 😀
I think on Wednesday the most important thing is not to allow Bayern to score an away goal. I would love a 2-0 win but I would not complain about a 0-0 either. An open game in Bayern gives us just as much chance as I am confident we are capable of scoring there. The German press have run several stories that Bayern would have preferred not to be playing Arsenal.
I would imagine that the only thoughts in Walcott’s mind would be getting back to full fitness and nothing more!
Yes, right JanMan, that was a poor joke. But he would be assured that the team is doing well in his absence. 😀
It wasn’t a joke arnie. It was meant to mean that I bet he wishes he was playing now.
And if the Scousers were wondering why they only got 8% maybe stop setting off flares and nicking balls when you’re 2-0 down! #AFC #LFC— Daniel Bull (@d_bully) February 16, 2014
I hope we can offer Everton the full allocation the only class in Liverpool is found in blue.— Simon Mulholland (@Paddywan61) February 16, 2014
Kelsey: No, I did not mean your comment. The second part of my initial response was meant to be a joke. Came out a bit poor. 😛
What one week can do!! 😀
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BgnsuSmIEAAV2EZ.jpg:large
Evening all, having got in from work and watched the recorded game, I have this to say:
Sanogo did really well. He’s strong and determined and had a continual running battle with Skrtl and definitely held his own – well done, I was wrong to doubt you, every bit as good a performance as I would have expected from Bendy and he has a long way to go yet.
I thought Flamini quietly made a difference but the Ox and Fab2 were immense. Podolski did what Podolski does – score a goal if he gets a chance, worth his place in the side for that alone.
I hope recent events and watching from the bench spurs (hate that word) Ollie to a great performance on Wednesday …. bring on Bayern 😛
l
So do we give the assist for the Ox’s goal to Sanogo?
Rasp, yes please, for me that was a Sanogo assist. 😀 😀
So, who’s offered to write something about that jolly super game …………. just a few thoughts will do ……..
Here it is 4:50 pm in London, Ontario 9:50 pm in London England and after a 350 mile drive I’ve just finished watching the game (and a bottle of Red wine)
Strong committed performance by the team today the standouts in my opinion were Fabianski, the Ox and our new boy Sanogo, with a shout out for Ozil and Podolski. I really cannot think of a player who had a poor game as they all gave it their best effort.
What a huge difference Flamini makes his level of commitment is unsurpassed.
Three more wins and we can satisfy the lust of the trophy hunters……………they must be in their top gloating form today…..
You can almost see a thought bubble from Webb with “you, Uruguayan (insert banned word). You ain’t gettin me twice”
Morning
Well it appears that Giroud has been doing some late night extra training to improve his shooting 🙂
Giroud, according to reports I read there was no final shot….I think the strumpet said something about loving and tactile but no sex.
It seems this was before the Palace game in the team hotel, and that the Sun tried to or did run it last week, but a bunch of legal types stopped them publishing or going further.
Then it turns out the strumpet also took pictures of Oli walking round in his pants.
He has apologised on twitter to the club and he is also apologising to his family so it appears to be true.
Wouldn’t put it past the papers to send the girls in to these situations in the hope something happens. Just go hang round the bar and flirt with the players staying there….get pictures and a story we’ll pay you money. Could explain his performance at Anfield as it seems that’s when they wanted to run the story.
Wenger on Giroud: ‘He looked a bit tired recently … [laughter in room] … I know where you [press] want to lead me, slowly but surely!’
7:42 PM – 16 Feb 2014
Motning all.
“slowly but surely” indeed!!!!! 😀
very quiet here today. it seems Micky and Chas are also having late lie-ins. 😀 😀 😀
GiE: “loving and tactile” whatever might that mean? No exercise for lower body muscles, then. Perhaps a hot massage? Or is it late night scrabbles to sharpen the brain cells? 😛
Michael Owen in The Telegraph: “If I were picking the Premier League top XI, I wouldn’t have an Arsenal player in it. I don’t think they have the quality of Chelsea, City, or half of Liverpool. They are punching above their weight. They don’t have the absolute quality to win the Champions League.” ha ha ha, fecking Scouser. 😀 😀 😀
GiE’s swingometer makes it to the news headlines. John Cross has been reading AA again. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenals-win-over-liverpool-felt-3153536
Motning Arnie
Just read through comments, Does Peaches have a volunteer? Could do some quick “feelings”
Micky: I think no volunteers, unless someone has directly sent to nuts and not said so here. “Feelings” will be excellent. 😀 😀
I thought you don’t do ‘feelings’ 🙂
You lot were laughing at my pink wet suit failed donation. This morning BBC invited visitors back to Cornwall saying that most businesses are still open, including a swimming pool in Bude! There
motning Micky, motning Evonne!!!!. 😀
I must say looking at the photo @9:32pm that Suarez is awesome – look how perfectly his body is posed – the legs, feet, lovely arched back – beautiful. HE must have trained for that one really hard.
Morning all
Yes please micky, if you can put some feelings together that would be great.
he will struggle putting ‘some feelings’ together 🙂
Wednesday just a couple of days away, grrrrrhh……too soon. Who is going?
Evonne: and landing on his face as well. There is another photo on twatter which shows him landing on the face. Must be painful! How far can someone go to win a penalty!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 Nay, never was a Gooner, never will be. Great player, yes, RESPECT, but no Gooner! 😀 😀 😀
Peaches: I will try my hand at the pre-match, please. 😀
Ok Peaches.
Evonne
Agree, that Suarez “formation” is well rehearsed.
Right, some words.
arnie – he fooled me, I was sure it was a 100% penalty.
Maureen landed on his face too, Wenger pushed him last night 🙂
Evonne: Maureen’s “push” was just class. His response to the Giroud incident was also brilliant. Just brilliant. 😀 😀
Thing about Suarez is yesterday we saw why he scores a lot of goals….he takes an awful lot of shots, and sometimes they fly in, and yesterday they fly over, wide or into the keepers arms. When he gets it right it looks amazing, and this season he has got it right more often than got it wrong.
But I still feel there is an element of hype that surrounds him that is unwarranted.
As much as it pains me to say it, I’d much rather watch City play than Liverpool, and I also like the City players more, Sturridge’s dance makes him more unlikeable than most, Suarez’s tumbling and overreaction (regardless of the penalties what about the scream when he kicked Kozzer in the midriff claiming that Kozzer had kicked him).
GiE: an absolutely despicable cheating barsteward, if ever there was one!!!!!
Morning all,
My TV is on the blink, there is a constant flicker that makes it very difficult to see any detail. Nevertheless I watched the recording of the game and was very happy to see that my ploy of lambasting AW for playing Yaya paid off and he put in a very impressive performance in a big game 😛 He’s got a bit of nastiness about him that I like. Eden Hazzard never smiles because he’s a nasty little git who hates to lose …. nothing wrong in that.
I shall save any other observations on the game for Micky’s ‘feelings’
All the bloody press are talking about is Howard Webb’s ‘mistake’. What about all the soft pens given against Arsenal this season and the numerous nailed on pens that we haven’t been awarded. Sheeesh, this attitude towards Arsenal in the media is becoming a joke.
Post in Peaches/Rasp.
Ooops Exile
Don’t think you’ll like my mini Liverpool tribute one bit 😦
Thanks Micky, I’m working on it 😛 Peaches has gone missing so its going to take a while.
Thank you Micky
We have a New Post ………………..